Anne Hathaway's latest gig was one that lay especially close to her heart.

"I'm here tonight in support of Dr. Beth Karlan and the Women's Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, as well as all of those who in one way or another have been touched by cancer—a number I know we all agree is far too high. I'm so excited we're all here to watch that number drop," began the Oscar winner and host of the 9th Annual Pink Party at the benefit Saturday night in Santa Monica.

"Now, before the evening kicks off I would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing Elyse Walker for her dedication to the cause and for building this remarkable event," Hathaway, serving as emcee of the event for the first time, said.

She had previously said on the red carpet that she got involved with the cause after a friend of hers had battled cancer and Hathaway had asked "if there was ever anything I could do to support the organization that was supporting her that I hope she wouldn't hesitate to ask."

The Les Misérables star again invoked her friend while addressing the audience at the beginning of the evening.

"On a personal note, Dr. Karlan helped a beloved friend of mine...excuse me..." Hathaway said, her eyes filling with tears, "battle cancer recently and I couldn't be more grateful to her.

'Thank you," she told Karlan as the doctor joined her onstage and patted the actress on the back. "Dr. Karlen, you were better, you were more than just my friend's doctor, you were her friend and ally—and I'm happy to say that, together, you kicked that cancer's ass."

By then, Hathaway, wearing a bright pink dress for the occasion, was smiling brightly once again.

The evening's festivities also included a fashion show featuring looks from the likes of Valentino, Lanvin, Barbara Bui and Kaufman Franco. Kate Beckinsale, Usher, Rachel Zoe, Brooke Burke Charvet, Francesca Eastwood and Maria Bello were among the guests.